08-21-02
BEHREND STUDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM EARLY
ASSURANCE
AGREEMENT WITH PENN STATE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Students at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, who plan to become physicians now have an opportunity to apply for early acceptance to medical school as a result of an agreement signed by Behrend officials and the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Roger Knacke, director of the School of Science at Penn State Behrend, said the college has completed an "early assurance" agreement with the College of Medicine that will permit students who meet grade point average and testing requirements to be admitted to the College of Medicine in their junior year. Admission is contingent upon maintaining good grades during their senior year and completing a bachelor of science degree at Penn State Behrend.
"This agreement is great news for area students who want to become physicians," said Knacke. "In some cases, students are able to shorten the time in the classroom, and as a result, save tuition dollars. Through the agreement, the students in the early assurance program will also receive special consideration for interviews. This early assurance agreement takes away some of the anxiety surrounding admission to medical school and allows students to make plans more easily."
Knacke recognized the work of the Health Professions Advisory Committee at Penn State Behrend in developing the early assurance agreement. The committee includes Dr. Paul Barney, Dr. Michael Campbell, Dr. Larry Eckroat, Dr. David Hunnicutt, Dr. Martin Kociolek, Ms. Lisa Mangel, and Dr. James Warren. In addition to informing eligible students about the early assurance program, this committee is responsible for reviewing applications to the program. The committee tracks the progress of each student in the program to ensure continued eligibility.
Knacke cautioned that the College of Medicine has very specific requirements for students who choose the early assurance program.
"Students who follow this program must work very closely with their advisers to ensure completion of all the math and science courses called for by the College of Medicine," he said.
Students interested in learning more about Penn State Behrend's early assurance agreement with the Penn State College of Medicine may call the School of Science at 814-898-6105.
Contact:
Loretta Brandon
(814) 898-6063 (O)
(814) 864-9922 (H)
e-mail: lzb6@psu.edu